Whether you’re a first-time student, a mum heading back to higher education after taking time out for her family, or just looking to change professions, going back to uni is an exciting prospect.
To mark National Careers Week (7th – 11th March) The Open University commissioned a poll of 1,000 adults* to uncover our career and educational aspirations.
Almost half of us would consider returning to university to pursue a dream career and 41% don’t think that their degree provided them with the right skills for their current career path. Additionally over a third believe that more life experience would have helped them to make a better-informed decision.
However, while there’s no denying it’s an exciting prospect, it can also be a daunting one - particularly if you don’t have the right information at your disposal.
How do you know which degree is right for you, for example? And how do you decide whether a part-time, full-time or online study course is a better fit?
Clare Riding, Head of Careers and Employability Services at The Open University, provides Closer Online with her top tips for choosing a degree you’ll love – whatever stage you are in your life.
1) Take time to think about your passions…you won’t regret it
Gaining a degree is a real life achievement, whether you’re a twenty one year old first time graduate or a fifty year old professional looking to develop new skills.
However, as with any achievement you need to be committed and invest your time well. If you choose a degree that you feel passionately about you’re more likely to work hard and will achieve greater things. Consider what interests you have out of work or what skills you need to develop in your current career before exploring different course options.
2) Think about where you can make your mark
If you’re ambitious and want to change career or make a mark in a new industry, you should think about where the skills gaps lie and how you can fill them. 43% of roles in the STEM industry are difficult to fill and the demand for skilled workers in this sector is growing, quickly.
There are plenty of other sectors looking for new talent too. If you don’t feel qualified to take on one of these roles but think it would be something you’d thrive in, look into a degree that will equip you with the right knowledge and skills to take this new path and really make a difference.
3) Think about why you’re doing a degree
Do you want to progress in your career? Do you want to develop new skills for a new role? Or do you want to pursue a subject you’ve always wished you had? Once you’ve identified the core reason for doing a degree you’ll be better placed to identify the right course for you.
If you’re still unsure, remember that lots of institutions – including the Open University – offer options to study open courses and flexible degrees that tick more than one of those boxes.
4) Think about how your degree will affect your lifestyle
Of course, a degree is a commitment and it will affect your day-to-day life. If you’re learning for fun and don’t want to jump into a full degree straight away, think about trying a few modules first to gain a better understanding of what you’d like to do. If it’s for career progression, let your employer know that you’re studying and see if they’re willing to support you with more flexible hours.
5) Remember…it’s never too late!
A quarter of the people who responded to our poll suggested that they wish they’d chosen a different degree the first time around…but what most people forget is it’s never too late to go back and they still can! With The Open University, it’s easy to get back into learning.
Thinking of embarking on a degree? To find out more about how The OU can support you in choosing the right course, check out The Open University website now.